Re: ADT Essential Wireless Package

["Mike" <BE@xxxxxxxxx>]

"Nomen Nescio" <nobody@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:8c0b55a9546e54284916bcda1f1f1996@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Mike said:
>
>>I wonder if any company guarantees their equipment will work w/ other
>>monitoring centers?
>
> I've never been asked, but I wouldn't hesitate to do so.
>
> Most small to medium sized alarm companies buy off-the-shelf control
> panels, either from wholesale distributors or direct from manufacturers.
> That means systems can often be reprogrammed by other alarm companies.
> Now, there are some limitations:
>
> 1.  Alarm companies frequently lock the panel electronically during the
> term of their monitoring contract, to prevent unauthorized changes to the
> programming.  Reputable companies will unlock the panel when their
> monitoring agreement ends, if the customer owns the equipment.
>
> 2.  Not all alarm companies work on all brands of equipment.  So, changing
> companies may mean there is a limited selection of companies that are
> willing and/or able to work on the system.  This can be a problem with
> some
> factory-direct control panels, since the number of dealers in a given area
> may be limited by the manufacturer.
>
> Some big companies use proprietary equipment, not because it's any better
> than off-the-shelf equipment, but just to make it difficult for other
> companies to take over their systems without spending money.  The special
> ADT versions of Ademco panels are an example.  Brink's is another.
>
> Shop wisely.
>
> One other thing about ADT is their warranty:  all of 90 days.  ADT used to
> give a one year warranty, which still is pretty much the industry
> standard.
> I think they figured out that a shorter warranty period made it more
> likely
> that people would buy the extended warranty, thereby paying extra for
> something they should have received anyway.
>
> Ask around, and see how much you would pay for monitoring an existing,
> customer-owned system.  Then compare that figure to what ADT wants to
> charge for just monitoring, and then for their monitoring plus extended
> warranty package.   A properly installed residential system requires
> little
> service.  Like most extended warranty plans, you will end up paying
> through
> the nose for a little peace of mind.

Grewat advice.  Maintenance & service killed the local guys w/ me.